MOORE COUNTY — It’s hard to beat a team four times in the same season, but the Moore County girls basketball team did just that on Wednesday with 64-54 victory over District 8 rival the Fayetteville Tigers.
Moore County placed their Colombia blue foot on the gas pedal and never let up until the final buzzer. They edged the Tigers last night in Lynchburg in a District 8 game to earn a three seed at the Class A East Regional Quarterfinals. They mounted a 14 point lead in the first half thanks in part to the lights out play of sophomore Maecy Fletcher and junior Chloe Brazier. The two Raiderette starters combined for 19 of Moore County’s 35 first quarter points.
Strong, steady Raiderette first half
Moore County came out of the gate swinging with back-to-back three point shots by Robin Smedley and Charlotte Ray. The sluggish Tigers, on the other hand, took seven shots before finally landing a point – a free throw by Amaria Thomison at the four minute mark. Fletcher found much of her first half success at the bonus line as Tiger defenders continuously swatted at her on her way to the basket. She shot 7-8 from the line in the first half of play. Chloe Brazier got hot in the second period with three baskets and a trey. The Raiderettes led at the break, 35-21.
Tigers attempt a second half comeback
Following the break, the Tigers found their footing. They outscored the Raiderettes by eight in the third period thanks in part to a pair of three point shots by Shaneka Nance. Treys by Moore County’s Charlotte Ray and Hayley Horton helped the Raiderettes keep pace and they ended the third stanza still ahead by six, 47-41.
Vance continued to mount a single-handed come back in the fourth period putting up another seven for a total of 15 second half points but the Raiderette defense never panicked. In fact, they took an aggressive, man stance to block shots, make steals, and force turnovers. Charlotte Ray, in particular, played strong down the stretch with smart defense and seven fourth period points.
Chloe Brazier led the Raiderettes with 16 total points followed by Charlotte Ray and Maecy Fletcher with 13 each. Other Moore County scoring totals were: Robin Smedley, 7; Hayley Horton, 6; Erica Clifton, 5; Madison Floyd and Paisley Logan, 2 points each.
The Raiderettes now move on to Class A East Region action and will face District 7 number two seed LEAD Academy in Nashville on Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m. Fayettevile will move on to play Merro Hyde. To view a full bracket, click here. LEAD Academy only allows two tickets per player but local fans can watch via the NFHS Network thank to the MCHS Sport Network student broadcasting crew. Click here for that link. •
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}